Wasp
The Common Wasp (Vespula spp.)
The common wasp (Vespula spp.) is ubiquitous throughout Europe as well as North America and now in Australia and New Zealand. It follows a complete metamorphosis life -cycle with distinct egg, larval, pupal and adult stages of development. Perhaps of greatest note, many species of wasps have social order with "queen" insects and developed "caste" hierarchy of specialised adult forms. Social insects tend to have highly complex behaviour.
A small number survive the cold winters and recommence activity in spring. Throughout spring these are busy preying on other insects or feeding mainly on protein sources. At this time of the year they are rarely a pest and in fact very rarely noticed by people. If the summer is hot and dry the wasps' attentions turn more to energy foods to maintain their activity. At this time they are highly attracted to sugary foods and drinks, which brings them into conflict with people. This can be highly distressing to some people who fear being stung. Many species of wasps exist world-wide.
How not to get stung by wasps! The principle is "Do not irritate them and they won't attack you". Avoid frantic movements. Do not swat wildly at a wasp. If a wasp is on food or attempting to drink from a beverage push it away with a slow deliberate movement of the hand. If you must kill it then wait for it to settle on something then take careful and deliberate aim with a swatter or similar, striking it dead with one deadly blow.
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